BM 2010-02-03 EcDev
COPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
February 3, 2010
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at Coppell
Town Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas 75019. The following were
present: Bill Rohloff, Amanda O’Neal, Don Carroll, Kenneth Luttmer, Matt Hall, Greg Jenkins, Thom Hulme,
Clay Phillips, Mindi Hurley, Scarlett Hovland and guest, Abraham Robinson.
Call to Order
1.
With a quorum present, Bill Rohloff called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Approval of Minutes: January 6, 2010
2.
It was moved by Matt Hall and seconded by Kenneth Luttmer that the minutes of the January 6, 2010
meeting be approved. The motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Convene Executive Session (Closed to Public)
3.
A. Section 551.087, Texas Government Code – Economic Development Negotiations.
1. Economic Development Prospects west of Belt Line Rd. and north of Dividend
Blvd.
Bill Rohloff convened into Executive Session at 6:15 p.m. as under the above-stated article and discussed
Item 1. Rohloff recessed the Executive Session at 6:50 p.m. and opened the Regular Session.
Business Retention Discussion
4.
Mindi advised that a breakfast is beling planned for area business leaders in April at the Hard
Eight BBQ Restaurant in Coppell. The breakfast will be hosted by the Economic Development
Committee and Coppell Chamber. A representative from North Lake College will speak on
resources that are available to businesses through the college. Mindi did not have a firm date,
but invitations will be mailed. Door prizes will be given through the Chamber business
connections. Mindi will advise the committee on the date and time for the breakfast.
Mindi provided a fact sheet regarding business retention facts for the State of Texas and other
areas of the U.S. The fact sheet showed that the current recession compels us to pay greater
attention to sustaining and preserving existing jobs.
It was suggested that the committee consider hosting a golf tournament with the City staff, City
Council, and business representatives.
It was also suggested that a newsletter regarding Economic Developent in Coppell be sent
quarterly to area business owners.
Mindi asked that the committee members continue to suggest other business retention ideas or
events.
Strategic Plan Review
5.
The committee reviewed Goal III: Old Coppell
It was decided that the group will bring back the following items to discuss in more detail at
future meetings:
Strategy 1: Customer Service
o
Action 1: Mindi and City Planner, Matt Steer attend the Old Town Coppell
Business Association meetings. It was suggested that “Old Coppell” be added
to the Economic Development meeting agenda each month.
Action 2: Mindi and City staff keep communication open with development
businesses for retention or location to the City.
Strategy 2: Marketing/Promotion
o
Action 1: The City of Coppell new website launched on Feb. 1. Economic
Development has a page. The committee will work on adding to and
improving that page. A logo for Old Coppell has not been designed as of this
date.
Action 2: Old Coppell will be included with the economic marketing pieces still
being designed. Old Coppell will have pages on the website.
Action 3: The City owned property, known as Carter Crowley is in the process
of entering into an engineering contract.
Strategy 3: Incentives/Financing
o
Action 1: The Old Coppell incentive package is active. An application has
been submitted and was approved.
Chamber of Commerce Update
6.
Thom Hulme advised that the chamber will be introducing their new website in the near
future. Chamber partnerships are growing. Memberships are status quo. The Chamber
Gala will be on Sat., Feb. 27, and tickets are still available for purchase.
School District Update
7.
Thom Hulme advised that the school board is studying career programs that could be offered
through CISD. Partnerships with businesses and schools are being encouraged. Thom shared
that in all likelihood CISD will be facing a tax rate election this coming fall.
General Discussion and Update on Commercial and Industrial Projects
8.
Clay shared that City staff was approached by D Magazine to participate in a special edition of
the magazine that will be sent to a target audience of the top CEO’s and CFO’s across the
country to highlight the region as the Super Bowl approaches next year. The idea is to showcase
major assets, industries, communities, and other features that could persuade decision-makers in
major firms as they make decisions regarding corporate relocations. The choice to participate will
not be an inexpensive one and staff may explore the possibility of partnering with some of our
major corporate citizens and community partners if we decide to move forward. The article will
be released this summer. Discussion followed on the possibility of an insert that could also be
used as marketing material.
Mindi reviewed projects under construction and businesses that are now open or opening soon.
Mindi reviewed agenda items for the Development Review Committee.
Mindi will be offering an invitation to a group of brokers to speak at a future committee meeting.
Mindi distributed an aerial map of Coppell and reviewed with the Committee regarding
commercial and industrial sites.
Mindi collected the hot spot lists from the members. Please email her the list if not available at
this meeting. The lists will be compiled for the March meeting.
Mindi will begin design for the Economic Development pages on the City website.
Mindi reported on the Red Team.
With no further business to discuss, it was moved by Matt Hall and seconded by Kenneth Luttmer that the
meeting adjourn. By unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scarlett Hovland